Western Australia Southern Explorer

Our journey to Rottnest Island begins, WA’s most beautiful island believed to have been separated from the mainland approximately 7,000 years ago also famous for the adorable Quokkas. On Rottnest Island the Oliver Hill Train and Tunnel Tour takes us on a historical journey passing some iconic and historical landmarks on the island. We are taken on a guided tour through the tunnel system that once played a crucial role in Australia’s military defence in World War II. The area is still preserved with Rottnest’s WWII guns and tunnels, which commemorate its military history and our soldiers who fought to defend the shores of Western Australia. Rottnest Island was a key part of the Western Australian defence during WWII. The island was home to intricate secret tunnels and housed 9.2″ guns to protect against invading Axis forces. Post-war, the 9.2-inch battery on the island was saved from disposal due to the high cost of removal and shipping of the guns to the mainland. This led to the preservation of the military artefacts. Now, this equipment provides a look at the rich history of the WA Defence Force and attracts many visitors to the area every year. Following our tour we purchase lunch from the bakery, cafés or restaurants before a leisurely afternoon that may include at own cost a bike ride, a visit to the Rottnest Island Museum, Salt Store Gallery and Exhibition Centre, Lomas Cottage, Pilot Boathouse or go sailing. Our ferry returns back to Fremantle, for a rest and time to refresh before dinner.

Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel by Rydges

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we head back to Perth in preparation for our Swan Valley Gourmet Cruise - nowhere else in Australia can you depart from a capital city by boat, and arrive in an award winning wine region on the same day. Relax and enjoy the iconic city skyline and beautiful picturesque landscape as you escape the city and cruise leisurely into the upper regions of the Swan Valley. We will be treated to a delicious, filling grazing table lunch from the coveted Sandalford Estate following an exclusive behind the scenes cinematic tour of the winery and a special wine tasting! All of this is capped off with live entertainment and tantalizing desserts on board our return cruise. We then return back to Fremantle for an evening of leisure and our own choice for dinner.

Overnight Fremantle: Esplanade Hotel by Rydges

Daily: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast and checkout we start our journey south to Busselton via Mandurah and Bunbury, home of the longest wooden jetty in the world at 1841 metres! On arrival into Busselton, we enjoy a light lunch, before heading over to the jetty. The Stocker Preston Express Train takes us the length of the jetty to the Underwater Observatory. We descend 8-metres below the ocean’s surface to gaze at the natural wonders that lie beneath the jetty. Its piles have created Australia’s greatest artificial reef, host to an awe-inspiring forest of vividly-coloured tropical and subtropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Discover more than 300 individual marine species in their natural habitat through eleven viewing windows at various levels within the 9.5 metre diameter observation chamber. We then make our way toward Margaret River, with a stop enroute for cellar door tastings at MadFish Wines. The MadFish story begins in the far southern reaches of Western Australia, where 15 kilometres from the quiet coastal town of Denmark we will find the secluded, picturesque MadFish Bay. According to local folk, the bay’s tranquillity is broken when the most incredible sight of two tides meet. Confused by this natural phenomenon, schools of small fish can be seen leaping in the air, as if in a state of madness! Discover the legend behind the winery, grab a glass or two, and enjoy this beautiful region. We make our way into Margaret River for check in and tonight we enjoy dinner in the Hotel Restaurant.

Overnight Margaret River: Stay Margaret River

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we travel to Dunsborough to cruise on the calm waters of Geographe Bay. After having been hunted almost to extinction until the 1970’s, the whale population has recovered to such a level that an estimated 35,000 whales migrate from the Antarctic to Australia’s warmer waters every year. The Margaret River Region is one of the best places to whale watch in Australia. Our vessel this morning is a luxury 20 metre catamaran named Alison Maree, the largest and most comfortable catamaran for cruising in the region. Our adventure starts with a beach boarding as we transfer from the beach to the catamaran via a tender vessel. This is an easy and safe process with no complicated movements required, our feet will stay dry and it’s all part of the adventure! We will be led by a fully qualified marine biologist, whose knowledge and passion for Western Australia’s marine wildlife is unequalled in the industry. Today we have the opportunity to view Humpback Whales, particularly the pregnant females who mated last year, have had their calves (babies) and return to Geographe Bay where they rest and nurse their young from September to early December. Southern Right Whales and the rare Blue and Minke Whales can also be seen on occasions. We’ll be mesmerised as we watch these majestic creatures breach and frolic. On board we enjoy complimentary coffee, herbal teas, and biscuits. After our fabulous morning we enjoy a lunch break (at own expense) before making the short drive north to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and cottages which reveal the fascinating maritime history of the cape region. As we self guide around the grounds, we can see the functions of this working lighthouse. At the top balcony of the lighthouse tower we are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and the beautiful Geographe Bay coastline. The new observation platform at the base of the lighthouse tower enables universal access to sweeping ocean views and great photo opportunities. The beautifully landscaped lawns and nautical-themed playground will entice us to sit and enjoy this wonderful heritage precinct. With a climb of just 59 stairs, the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the Margaret River Region. On our return journey back to Margaret River, we stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Company for some tastings and some purchases. We then return to our accommodation in Margaret River before meeting for some happy hour drinks (2 drinks per person) before dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Margaret River: Stay Margaret River

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we continue our travels through the stunning towering Karri, Marri and Jarrah forested national parks to Pemberton. On arrival, it’s all aboard at the Pemberton Railway Station for our return Pemberton Tram journey which meanders its way through towering Karri Forest resplendent with colourful wildflowers, crossing over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams along one of Australia’s most majestic rail lines. Following our wonderful rail experience, we have free time in Pemberton to purchase lunch (at own expense) along Brockman Street. We then continue down through the National Parks and State Forest’s to Walpole and then into the Walpole Wilderness region where we visit the “Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk”. This area contains the “Giants” for which the forest was named and features some trees five metres in diameter at the base. To appreciate the beauty of the forest, we can stroll along the Tree Top Walk suspended 40 metres high into the canopy of the ancient tingle forest, or for land lovers we can follow the Ancient Empire ground level boardwalk. On arrival in Albany we check into our accommodation and have time to settle into our rooms before meeting for dinner in Ryan’s Restaurant at the motel.

Overnight Albany: Ace Accommodation Albany

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Our morning has us viewing the impressive Albany Wind Farm as we drive around Princess Royal Harbour en-route to the Torndirrup National Park and The Whaling Station Museum. The Albany Wind Farm is one of the most spectacular and largest wind farms in Australia. Next, we take a drive along the Torndirrup National Park, where the Southern Ocean has sculpted a Natural Bridge in the coastal granites and formed The Gap, where the waves rush in and out with tremendous ferocity. The Blowholes, a crackline in the granite, ‘blows’ air and occasionally spray, all are well worth a stop. Arriving at Albany’s historic Whaling Station our private guide takes us through the stories of the workers, the whales and their place in the economic and social history of Albany. It is not always a pleasant story, but believe it is an important story to share. Following our guided tour we are free to roam the deck of the Cheynes IV ship, the whale oil tank theatres and fascinating photo and artefact galleries plus take a walk through the Wildflower Garden or Wildlife Park. After a light lunch at Whalers Galley Cafe it’s back around to Mount Clarence passing the dynamic Silo Art by duo The Yok and Sheryo that took on the CBH Group grain silos, and referenced Albany’s pristine environment and sea-life with one very happy-looking marine creature (and local resident), the ruby sea dragon. Our next stop is the National ANZAC Centre which was opened on the 1st of November 2014 by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand. The National ANZAC Centre is an award-winning facility that uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. The experience delivered at the NAC is known for commemorating the war through the stories of the ANZAC’s as opposed to telling its own story via pro-war or anti-war sentiments. The symbolic location of the centre, selected for its strong sense of place as it looks out across King George Sound, the location from where the convoys gathered and then left. We also have time to explore the Mount Clarence Parkland’s containing the Mount Clarence Memorial and Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum. From Mount Clarence we travel back to our motel where time will allow us to rest up and refresh before dinner in the on-site restaurant.

Overnight Albany: Ace Accommodation Albany

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

As there is a lot of amazing things to see and do today it’s an early breakfast and start as we say goodbye to Albany and travel north via the Stirling Range National Park. This National Park encloses the only major mountain range within the southern half of Western Australia. The rugged peaks, which rise to more than 1000 metres above sea level, feature stark cliff faces, sheltered gullies, magnificent views and a rich diversity of unique and colourful wildflowers. Our drive up to the Bluff Knoll Car Park and return is quite breathtaking. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora with 1500 species, many of which grow nowhere else. After out descent we stop at the Bluff Knoll Cafe for morning tea, before heading up to Hyden via the Pingrup Silo Art. A scene drawing threads from the fabric of everyday life in Pingrup, Evoca1’s figurative depictions of the town’s iconic Pingrup races, its Merino sheep, its people, cattle dogs and even a tractor based precisely on one found on the main street of town, all tell a story about the character of the community. Geologically the Wheatbelt is an ancient stable area with a very low drainage profile. The rain that falls is very slow to drain away and is held in large shallow depressions. This leads to lots of evaporation and the formation of lakes of salt. Even in their dry state they offer stunning scenery and great photo opportunities. Depending on seasonal conditions around September/October each year the sand plains are transformed into a sea of flowering colour. While in Lake Grace, we enjoy lunch before we view the Pioneer Women’s Mural and also visit one of two remaining Australian Inland Mission Hospitals. The Lake Grace Australian Inland Mission Hospital was established in 1926 through the work of Dr John Flynn and the local community. Until the new hospital was built in 1952, the AIM hospital and the Royal Flying Doctor Service served the vast area from Kukerin to Ravensthorpe. The building, at the west end of town, has been restored as a hospital museum. Late afternoon we arrive at the Wave Rock Wildflower Shop, Lace Museum and Toy Soldier Museum, just amazing! Then take a stroll to Wave Rock – a 27 million year old prehistoric granite rock formation that will leave us in awe. It is 15 metres high and 110 metres long and has weathered into the shape of a wave. Follow the walking track around and also see “Hippos Yawn” another unusually shaped granite formation that was formerly part of the larger outcrop. After viewing the sunset over Wave Rock we return to the motel for dinner in the restaurant.

Overnight Hyden: Wave Rock Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast and checkout, we leave Hyden and continue our journey west across to the historic township of York enjoying a comfort stop along the way. On arrival into York we meet our local guide at the York Town Hall before enjoying our guided tour through this amazing building to reimagine the days of wealth and prosperity, York was the first inland European Settlement in Western Australia and has maintained a vibrant spirit among its many Victorian and Federation buildings including the Town Hall. Following our tour we enjoy some free time to purchase lunch before heading back into Perth to Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens. Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks. It is rich in Aboriginal and European history, contemporary culture and offers innovative design, displays and services. Kings Park is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanical Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora. Two thirds of the 400 hectare park is protected as bushland and provides a haven for native biological diversity. Visitors enjoy the sweeping views of the Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline and the Darling Ranges to the east. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the C Restaurant in the Sky for our final farewell dinner.

Overnight Perth: DoubleTree by Hilton Waterfront

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner